I Love You from Here to Heaven Above

A heartwarming, educational picture book that allows parents to tell their kids how much they love them while also teaching great stories from the Bible.

“I love you.”
“I love you more.”

Almost every parent and child play this game of who loves who more, but there is no doubt that we are loved most by our Heavenly Father. This book will help children understand once and for all how much they are loved while simultaneously learning treasured Bible stories.

How much you love someone isn’t easy to quantify, but I Love You from Here to Heaven Above is here to tell your children just how much you love them through more than a dozen wonderful and wise analogies. From the noble Easter Donkey to the Red Sea and even the Streets of Gold, your little reader will learn all about the Bible and the amazing things in it while also discovering the most important thing of all: how much you care.

MICHELLE MEDLOCK ADAMS is an award-winning journalist, earning more than 90 industry awards, and a bestselling author of more than 100 books, including: Dinosaur Devotions, Dachshund Through the Snow, and Love Connects Us All. When not writing or teaching writing, Michelle enjoys bass fishing, cheering on the Chicago Cubbies, and all things leopard print. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeff, and they have two married daughters, six darling grandchildren, two rescue dogs, and two spoiled cats.  www.michellemedlockadams.com

CECIL STOKES is an Emmy award–winning writer, producer, and director of over five hundred commercials, films, and television shows. After adopting his amazing son, Boone, from foster care, Cecil became a single dad and now travels the country with Boone, sharing their story of adoption. Whether he’s writing books, creating television shows, or on the road with his son, Cecil is deeply passionate about storytelling and is always ready for God’s next adventure.www.BooneandMe.org

JONATHAN BOUW lives in Indiana with his wife and children. Prior to his current home, he lived in the Philippines, Malaysia, Idaho and New York. He studied at The School of Visual Arts in New York City. Jonathan is an illustrator and university professor. www.jonathanbouw.com 

"The Apostle Paul wrote that 'the greatest of these is love.' From the day we’re born we crave love—to be told how much we’re loved, to feel it and know it. I Love You From Here to Heaven Above offers children both an understanding of the greatness of love along with a serving of some of the Bible’s greatest stories. These together provide children a sense of both the wonder of Scripture and the wonder of love—love given by those who love them and love given by God, who loves them most of all." —Linda K. Taylor, professor, speaker, editor, author of Pathway to Publication, but most importantly, mom and grandma

"Such a creative way to show kids they are loved while relating to Bible stories. It touches on two important truths we want our kids to grasp: self-worth and scripture. All kids need this book." —Jill Roman Lord, award-winning author of over 30 children's books

"Authors Michelle Medlock Adams and Cecil Stokes have crafted yet another heartfelt book wonderfully exemplifying the enormous love of a parent as well as the infinite love of God. Adams and Stokes guide readers on a journey through the Bible and its most prominent stories, highlighting the central theme of love all throughout. Combined with Jonathan Bouw's captivating illustrations, the story comes to life vibrantly for readers of all ages. In addition to the sweet rhyming stanzas, the More to Know section included in the book encourages learning and conversation for the whole family. Written in engaging rhyme, this picture book is just what young readers need to begin learning all about God's love!" —Megan Alms, author of Creature from the Woods

"How precious to know and accept the greatest fact in all the world: 'We love because He first loved us.' So now our lives are lived as a manifestation of 'We love you too.' I Love You From Here to Heaven Above beautifully illustrates the journey of the great 'First Love.'" —Daniel Cline, CEO Catalyst Conference


Praise for I Love You to the Sun & Beyond

“With lots of educational facts, plenty of humor, and warm illustrations, this emotive ‘I Love You’ story reminds us that children of all ages need to hear those three powerful words. A very creative and unique way to integrate learning with expressions of love. Every home and school library needs this book!” —Crystal Bowman, bestselling and award-winning author of My Arms Will Hold You Tight and M is for Manger

“Transcends the typical I-love-you book to ignite a child’s curiosity about the wider world!” —Jill Esbaum, author of How to Grow a Dinosaur and Frog Boots

“This book joyfully affirms that nothing in this world can measure the love between parent and child.”—Peggy Thomas, author of Full of Beans: Henry Ford Grows a Car and Farmer George Plants a Nation

"Such a creative book that includes the brightest, highest, tiniest, stripiest, stinkiest, wisest, driest, puffiest, and rarest of all creations to describe the love between a parent and child. Super fun book!" —Jill Roman Lord, award-winning author of If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart and You’re More Than a Sprout

"Endearing. Educational. Exciting. I Love You to the Sun and Beyond is more than a picture book about the special love between and parent and child. It’s a celebration of parents and children all around the world experiencing their special bond while exploring the amazing universe we live in. Authors Adams and Stokes have teamed up with illustrator Bouw for a winning children’s book. Destined to become a bedtime, morning time, naptime, reading time favorite!" —Nancy I. Sanders, children’s author of over 100 books including Bedtime with Mommy